asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will reconsider the question of issuing uniforms to the Royal Observer Corps, particularly in view of the approach of winter and the desirability of the Government accepting responsibility for providing members of this corps with warm uniforms to mitigate the effect of exposure?

This matter is being reconsidered. I should add that I cannot accept the suggestion that the clothing already in issue to members of the Royal Observer Corps does not provide adequate protection against the weather.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman appreciate that complaints would not have been made by members of the Observer Corps if they were satisfied? Does not the first statement of the right hon. and gallant Gentleman mean that in due course these observers could have issued to them the clothing that they desire?

The special clothing provided consists of waterproof and fleece-lined storm coats, oilskins, sou'-westers and gum boots These are all available for personnel on duty. There are other grounds for a reconsideration of the problem which I will not go into in answer to a Question.